The Hollard Daredevil Run is back, ready to paint the streets with courage and conversation, all in the name of saving lives.
Johannesburg, South Africa (04 October 2024) – South Africans are known for their incredible spirit when it comes to rallying behind charities, especially when it involves a bit of cheeky fun. There’s something special about how we can unite for a cause, even if it means running through the streets in nothing but speedos!
And when it comes to raising awareness for male cancers, South Africans know how to do it in style.
Enter the Hollard Daredevil Run – an event that’s got men (and women) all across the country pulling on their purple speedos for a good cause.
The Hollard Daredevil Run isn’t just another charity event; it’s a bold, memorable statement that takes place in neighbourhoods and cities across South Africa. With its distinctive purple speedos and a mission that’s loud and clear – raising awareness about prostate and testicular cancer – the run has become a highlight on many calendars.
Since its inception fifteen years ago, the event has transformed from a few brave souls sprinting through peak-hour traffic into a nationwide phenomenon. And Good Things Guy is incredibly proud to support the Daredevil Run once again.
Here’s why this cause is such a good thing for all South Africans.
Prostate and testicular cancers are often brushed under the carpet, with many men reluctant to talk about them, let alone get tested. That’s what makes the Daredevil Run so special. It’s more than just a fun day out in a purple speedo; it’s about starting conversations, breaking down stigmas, and ensuring that men feel empowered to take control of their health. And the impact is undeniable.
Last year’s event, the biggest yet, saw hundreds of thousands of runners participating in both the main event at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg and smaller runs all across the country. The funds raised in 2023, a whopping R700,000, were handed over to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa. This money will go towards funding PSA blood tests in under-resourced areas – a simple, non-invasive test that takes just seconds but could save lives.
Joani Sadie from CANSA shared that thanks to the Hollard Daredevil Run, over 2,000 PSA blood tests were conducted between January 2022 and March 2023. These numbers are powerful because they reflect lives being protected and families given hope.
Hollard’s Head of Brand and Communications, Allistair Khanyi, hit the nail on the head when he said, “Every year, the run has a positive impact nationally, enabling a culture that urges men to talk more openly about male cancers, the risks, the symptoms and the importance of early detection.” This isn’t just important for Hollard as a business but resonates with us all – as fathers, brothers, sons, and friends.
With one in six men expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and testicular cancer being the most common cancer among young men aged 15 to 35, the need for awareness and early detection has never been greater. The statistics are sobering, but the solution is simple – the earlier it’s caught, the better the survival rate.
Andrew Oberholzer, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, highlighted how the Daredevil Run opens up the conversation around male cancers in a light-hearted way. “These events are critical as they generate massive educational opportunities to educate men and boys about prostate and testicular cancer,” he said.
And it’s not just the big cities that get involved. Last year saw some incredible moments, like game rangers running through the Kruger National Park – proving that no matter where you are, you can make a difference.
The 2024 Hollard Daredevil Run will take place on Friday, 1 November, at Zoo Lake, with men of all ages running through the streets in their iconic purple speedos. And if you can’t make it to Johannesburg, you can still join the fun by running in your own neighbourhood, whether solo or with a group.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your mates, get your tickets, and join the thousands of other daredevils who are running cancer outta town! Tickets are R180.00 and include a registration pack along with your very own purple speedo. You can head over to daredevilrun.com to find out more.
This year’s event is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. It’s not just about the run; it’s about showing up, standing together, and ensuring that every man in South Africa has the chance at a healthier future.
Now that’s something worth running for!
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